Apple plans to help its Apple Intelligence notification summaries by making them clear when AI-generated.
This update is expected to be released in the coming weeks, addressing concerns raised about inaccuracies in the summaries, including a formal complaint from the BBC.
Currently, AI-generated summaries are identifiable by a small icon. Still, this subtle indicator has proven effective in preventing confusion. Apple claimed, "A software update in the coming weeks will further clarify when the text being displayed is summarization provided by Apple Intelligence. We encourage users to report a concern if they see an unexpected notification summary."
The issue came to light after the BBC noticed multiple incorrect summaries misrepresenting headlines.
One example was a false story that Luigi Mangione, the man suspected of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, shot himself. Other examples include a premature claim that a dart player had won a championship before the final match and an inaccurate summary claiming tennis star Rafael Nadal had come out as gay.
Notification summaries were introduced as a part of Apple Intelligence in iOS 18.1 and macOS Sequoia 15.1, allowing you to access app information rapidly. This feature has been well-received by users, enabling them to navigate to the original content for more information.
However, the recent inaccuracies highlighted by the BBC underscore the importance of clear transparency and adequate safeguards when relying on AI.
Apple's update aligns with widespread initiatives by technology companies to label AI-generated content. For example, after complaints from photographers, Meta refined its labeling for AI-edited photos, while Google now marks images created using AI tools. Apple also continues to develop its AI components, which are still in beta, with updates driven by user feedback.
By increasing the transparency of its AI systems, Apple aims to rebuild trust in its notification summaries while mitigating the potential spread of misinformation. As AI shapes user experiences, accurate labeling and ethical implications are becoming increasingly important to maintain credibility and reliability.